Search Results (267)

Background/Objectives: Ocular wavefront aberrations are clinically relevant for optimizing vision correction and predicting surgical outcomes. This study aimed to establish normative reference ranges for a Korean population by quantifying wavefront aberrations using a Hartmann–Shack wavefront sensor and Zernike coefficients, and to assess correlations with age, sex, and spherical equivalent (SE). Methods: Wavefront aberrations were measured in 98 Koreans (196 eyes) using a Hartmann–Shack aberrometer without cycloplegia. Five repeated measurements per eye at a 6 mm pupil size were averaged. Parameters included Zernike coefficients (Z3–Z20), higher-order aberration (HOA) root mean square (RMS, Z6–Z20), and total RMS (Z3–Z20). Associations with age, sex, and SE were assessed using univariable and multivariable linear mixed-effects models. Second-order polynomial regression assessed nonlinear relationships. Interocular symmetry was evaluated using mirror-symmetry-adjusted Spearman’s correlation and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results: Vertical coma (Z7, 0.208 ± 0.174 μm) and spherical aberration (Z12, 0.200 ± 0.161 μm) were the largest contributors to HOA RMS. Mean HOA RMS and total RMS were 0.51 ± 0.21 μm and 3.03 ± 2.51 μm, respectively. HOA RMS increased with age (β = 0.003 μm/year, p = 0.010), whereas total RMS decreased with SE (β = −0.678 μm/D, p < 0.001). Most Zernike coefficients showed positive interocular correlations, with ICCs of 0.75 for total RMS and 0.64 for HOA RMS. Conclusions: In normal Korean eyes, HOAs increased with age and exhibited significant interocular symmetry. Vertical coma and spherical aberration were predominant components. While the pattern was similar to that in Western populations, the absolute values were greater. These normative values may aid future wavefront-guided refractive surgery and presbyopia correction procedures. Full article

Actuating monolithic photonic components (particularly slab waveguides) requires higher force due to their inherent stiffness. However, two primary constraints must be addressed: actuator footprint and fabrication limits. Increasing the number of fingers to provide the required force is not a viable solution due to space constraints, and we must also adhere to the process design kits of standard fabrications and respect their design limits. Therefore, it is crucial to increase the actuator force output without significantly enlarging the actuator footprint while maintaining the necessary travel range. In order to achieve this, we utilize arrays of electrostatic comb drives, with each repeating cell geometry optimized to produce the highest force per actuator footprint. Our optimization strategy focuses on finger geometry, the arrangement of fingers and arms design in the comb structure, including the number of fingers per arm and arm length, ensuring that each repeating cell delivers maximum force per unit area or force intensity. Co-optimizing a repeatable, footprint-optimized comb-array unit cell (arm length, arm width, finger pitch, finger count) and validating it against an asymmetric slab waveguide load, we reach a maximum pre-pull-in force intensity of about 342 N m⁻² at 70 V with about 6 µm travel, confirmed by analytical modeling, numerical simulation, and measurement. Despite fabrication challenges such as over-etching and variations in electrode dimensions, detailed SEM analyses and correction functions ensure that the theoretical models closely match the experimental data, confirming the robustness and accuracy of the design. These optimized actuators, capable of achieving substantial force output without sacrificing travel range or mechanical stability, are particularly effective for applications in optical beam steering for in-plane silicon-photonics and related optical microsystems applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intraoperative aberrometry has gained clinical relevance in correcting aberrations during cataract and corneal refractive surgeries. As wavefront aberrations are typically measured with patients seated, while surgeries are performed supine, this study aimed to compare ocular aberrations between seated and supine positions, using a hand-held Hartmann–Shack aberrometer. Methods: Total ocular wavefront aberrations were measured five times consecutively from cyclopledged eyes for a 6 mm pupil, under three conditions: (1) seated with a holder-fixed mode (reference), (2) seated with a hand-held mode, and (3) supine with a hand-held mode. Condition 2 was included to assess potential measurement errors from the hand-held mode. Repeatability was assessed using the standard deviation of repeated measurements (Srm) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Differences among the three conditions were analyzed to evaluate the effects of positional change and hand-held stability on ocular wavefront aberration measurements. Results: Eighteen healthy subjects (36 eyes) were enrolled. The Srms for the sphere were 0.37, 0.38, and 0.40 diopters (D); and for the cylinder, 0.10, 0.10, and 0.11 D, with no significant differences across conditions. ICC values exceeded 0.9 for both lower-order aberrations (LOAs) and higher-order aberrations (HOAs), indicating excellent repeatability. The mean root mean square HOAs (HOA_RMS) were 0.48, 0.49, and 0.45 µm, with no statistically significant differences by position (p = 0.913) or measurement mode (p = 0.966). Conclusions: The hand-held Hartmann–Shack aberrometer demonstrated satisfactory repeatability for LOAs and HOAs. Supine measurements did not differ from seated, supporting the feasibility of extending preoperative results to intraoperative aberrometry, regardless of positional differences. Full article

The evidence base supporting practices to widen participation in higher education, such as campus visits and multi-intervention programs for younger students, remains limited. In order to address this gap, this exploratory study examines the impact of repeated university campus exposure on primary-aged children in the UK. We studied the influence of a campus tour on the views of a group of 78 primary school children who had visited the setting on a previous occasion. Our cohort (32M, 45F, aged 10–11) was drawn from schools with high populations of pupils from low-socioeconomic status backgrounds. Using a pre- and post-visit survey design, we assessed changes in perceptions following a second campus tour, building on a prior visit. We found that while one visit was enough to establish basic perceptions—for example, a university is big not small—a second visit allowed participants to see a different side of the university experience, adding nuance, expanding university-related vocabulary, and increasing comfort with the campus environment. Notably, repeat visits strengthened intentions to pursue higher education. We conclude that multiple campus visits benefit low-participation groups by fostering familiarity and exposing younger pupils to different motivations for university attendance. While this study provides a useful foundation from which to explore this area, further work is needed to address limitations such as the small sample size and the UK-specific context. Full article

Background: Dengue virus infection is a significant challenge for global health, with 100 million symptomatic cases, 2.3 million DALYs and 20,000 deaths annually. Dengue vaccines must provide long-lasting immunity against all four virus serotypes, especially in dengue-naïve individuals, in order to avoid the severe manifestations of secondary infections. Methods: This scoping review summarizes current evidence on licensed dengue vaccines and vaccine candidates, focusing on immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety outcomes. To identify relevant trials, in October 2023 we queried ClinicalTrials.gov using the search term “dengue vaccines” to identify past and present vaccine candidates; the search was repeated in February 2025. Vaccines were categorized into licensed (CYD-TDV and TAK-003), late-stage (TV003/TV005), and early-stage candidates (TDEN, DPIV, V180, TVDV). Results: CYD-TDV (Dengvaxia^®) showed moderate efficacy in large trials, with higher efficacy in seropositive than in seronegative individuals. Following commercialization, an increased hospitalization risk was discovered in the latter group. Due to these findings and impossibility of screening for prior exposure in endemic settings newer vaccines are now preferred and CYD-TDV production has recently been discontinued due to declining demand. TAK-003 (Qdenga^®) demonstrated high efficacy against virologically confirmed dengue (VCD) and dengue-related hospitalization. This vaccine was generally well tolerated and is currently recommended by scientific societies and national authorities for travelers and by WHO for routine use in adults and children in endemic settings. TV003 and TV005, developed by NIAID, showed strong immunogenicity and efficacy in phase II trials and human challenge models. Preliminary results show that a single-dose of TV003 has an efficacy of 79.6% in seronegatives and 89.2% in seropositives against VCD at a 2-year follow-up. Both formulations elicited tetravalent responses with an acceptable safety profile. Other vaccine strategies, including TDEN (live-attenuated), DPIV (purified inactivated), V180 (subunit), and TVDV (DNA-based) are still in early-phase development and suffer from waning antibody titers and limited efficacy in naïve subjects. Conclusions: The development of a safe and effective vaccine remains complex due to immunologic challenges. Currently, TAK-003 is regarded as the best option for broad implementation, while TV003 and TV005 remain promising candidates due to their shorter schedule and robust immunogenicity. Further research is needed to optimize vaccine strategies in seronegative populations, immunocompromised subjects, older adults, and travelers. Full article

Large-scale, high-density flatness measurement is critical for manufacturing reference surfaces in ultra-precision machine tools. Traditional methods exhibit degradation in both accuracy and efficiency as measurement points and area size increase. In order to overcome these limitations to meet the requirements for integrated in-process measurement and machining of structural components in ultra-precision machine tools, this paper proposes a novel nine-probe third-order matrix system that integrates the Fine Sequential Three-Point (FSTRP) method with automated scanning path planning. The system utilizes a multi-probe error separation algorithm based on the FSTRP principle, combined with real-time adaptive sampling, to decouple machine tool motion errors from intrinsic workpiece flatness deviations. This system breaks through traditional multi-probe 1D straightness measurement limitations, enabling direct 2D flatness measurement (with X/Y error decoupling), higher sampling density, and a repeatability standard deviation of 0.32 μm for large precision machine tool components. This high-efficiency, high-precision solution is particularly suitable for automated flatness inspection of large-scale components, providing a reliable metrology solution for integrated measurement-machining of flatness on precision machine tool critical components. Full article

Conventional methods for testing steroids and hormones (SHs) in environmental samples are exhaustive, complex, and score poorly in sustainability matrices. Therefore, this study evaluates the automated sample preparation approach using the modular Biomek i7 Workstation for the analysis of 27 SHs in wastewater. Method development involved optimizing Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) parameters, preparing wastewater matrix blank, and assessing extraction efficiency using three solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. Extraction efficiency trials showed suitability in the order of Hydrophilic–Lipophilic Balance (HLB) > Mixed-Mode Cation Exchange (MCX) > Mixed-Mode Anion Exchange (MAX). The method demonstrated specificity for all targeted SHs, with Cholesterol showing a maximum interfering peak of 17.71% of the quantification limit (LOQ). The method met matrix effect tolerance of ±20% for 26 SHs, while Epi Coprostanol (34.92%) showed signal enhancement >20%. The 8-point calibration curve plotted using automated extraction demonstrated acceptable linearity across the tested range. Spiked studies at low (LQC), middle (MQC), and higher (HQC) quality control (QC) levels (n = 6, repeated on three separate occasions) demonstrated % RSD values within 20% and recoveries ranging from 71.54% to 115.00%. The method met validation criteria, showing reliability in Intra-Laboratory Comparison (ILC) and Blind Testing (BT). The method outperformed the conventional approach in greenness assessment (Complex Modified Green Analytical Procedure Index) and practicality evaluation (Blue Applicability Grade Index), offering an effective and sustainable protocol for environmental testing laboratories. Full article

The Raspy crickets are an interesting group of nocturnal animals that bear femoral-abdominal stridulation and spin silk from the mouthparts. Gryllacridid classification is the subject of ongoing discussion. Here, we present the first mitogenomic sequences for three Ocellarnaca taxa: O. braueri (15,597 bp), O. fuscotessellata (15,607 bp), and O. emeiensis (16,510 bp). Three mitochondrial genomes exhibited the conventional metazoan gene and conserved the characteristic gene order across Gryllacrididae species. Evolutionary selection analyses showed that atp8 was the least evolutionarily constrained mitochondrial gene, whereas cox1 was the most conserved across lineages. The three Ocellarnaca species harbored 5–8 mitochondrial DNA sequence repeats (mtSSRs), falling within the 1–8 range detected in all analyzed Gryllacrididae species. Magnigryllacris and Ocellarnaca exhibited higher mtSSR counts than related genera sharing analogous male abdominal apex morphology. Phylogenomic analyses of 35 mitogenomes from 21 Gryllacrididae species supported Ocellarnaca as monophyletic and a sister to Magnigryllacris (bootstrap = 100%), with O. fuscotessellata resolved as sister to the clade (O. sp. + (O. emeiensis + O. braueri)). This study expands the mitogenomic resources for Ocellarnaca, which will facilitate further resolution of phylogenetic reconstruction within this genus and across Gryllacrididae genera. Full article

Incorporating frequency constraints into the optimum design of large-scale truss dome structures is crucial for maintaining seismic resilience, as the natural frequencies must remain within specified ranges. In this work, seven metaheuristic algorithms—including three variants of the Fitness–Distance–Balance-based Adaptive Guided Differential Evolution (FDB-AGDE), the Cheetah Optimizer (CO), the Bonobo Optimizer (BO), the Flood Algorithm (FLA), and the Lung Performance Optimization (LPO) are applied to solve high-dimensional truss sizing problems under strict frequency limitations. Their convergence characteristics and solution quality are systematically compared across multiple dome configurations. Besides traditional measures of computational efficiency and final weight minimization, a suite of statistical analyses is conducted: the Wilcoxon rank-sum test to assess pairwise performance significance, the Friedman test to establish overall rank ordering, and Cohen’s test to quantify effect sizes. The results reveal that LPO, BO, CO, and the first variant of FDB-AGDE consistently produce lighter feasible designs with lower variability, whereas FLA and other variants of FDB-AGDE exhibit heavier structures or higher dispersion. The findings underscore the value of robust, well-tuned metaheuristics and rigorous statistical evaluation in structural optimization, offering clear guidance for seismic-focused designers seeking both lightweight solutions and reliable performance across repeated runs. Full article

The Pottiaceae family represents one of the most diverse and ecologically adaptable bryophytes; however, its chloroplast genome diversity remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate plastome variation and identify evolutionary informative loci within the moss genus Tortula. We performed a comprehensive comparative plastome analysis of nine species within the genus Tortula, using Syntrichia princeps as an outgroup within the family Pottiaceae. High-quality chloroplast genomes were assembled and annotated based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. All plastomes exhibited conserved quadripartite structures with genome size ranging from 121,889 to 122,697 bp. Adenine–thymine (AT)-rich dinucleotide repeats were the most abundant simple sequence repeats (SSRs), and several genes contained unique higher-order SSRs, suggesting potential utility as population-level markers. Codon usage analysis revealed species-specific biases, particularly in leucine, serine, and threonine codons, with Tortula acaulon exhibiting the most pronounced deviation. Phyloplastomic analysis based on maximum likelihood identified two major clades, indicating that Tortula section Tortula is not monophyletic. Several highly informative loci were found to replicate the full plastome phylogenetic signal. Additionally, a subset of genes, including atpE and matK, exhibited nonsynonymous-to-synonymous substitution (dN/dS) ratios that suggest possible positive selection. These findings provide new insights into chloroplast genome evolution within Tortula, while identifying candidate loci for future phylogenetic and evolutionary studies. This study contributes to a more robust understanding of plastome-based studies in Pottiaceae and highlights efficient molecular markers for broader bryophyte phylogenomics. Full article

Background: Cluster sets (CSs) maintain velocity and power in compound movements by employing similar propulsion strategies or maintaining impulse through different mechanisms. This study aimed to explore the effect of four CS conditions on back squat (BS) propulsion and provide models for estimating changes in propulsion based on repetition and set number. Methods: Twenty male participants (age = 28.3 ± 3.1 years, stature = 1.74 ± 8.21 m, body mass = 84.80 ± 7.80 kg, BS 1RM = 140.90 ± 24.20 kg) completed four data collection sessions. Each session consisted of three sets of five repetitions at 80% 1RM BS with three minutes of unloaded inter-set rest, using varying intra-set rest intervals. Experimental conditions included 0 s (TRAD), 10 s (CS10), 20 s (CS20), and 30 s (CS30) inter-repetition rest, randomly assigned to sessions in a counterbalanced order. Ground reaction force data were collected on dual force platforms sampling at 1000 Hz, from which net propulsive impulse (J_PROP), mean force (MF), and propulsion time (t_PROP) were calculated. Conditions and sets were analysed using a 4 × 3 (CONDITION*SET) repeated-measures ANOVA to assess differences between conditions and sets, and linear mixed models (LMMs) were used to provide regression equations for each dependent variable in each condition. Results: The ANOVA revealed no significant interactions for any dependent variable. No main effects of CONDITION or SET were observed for J_PROP. The main effects of CONDITION showed that MF was significantly lower in TRAD than CS20 (g = 0.757) and CS30 (g = 0.749). t_PROP was significantly higher in TRAD than CS20 (g = 0.437) and CS30 (g = 0.569). The main effects of SET showed that MF was significantly lower in S2 (g = 0.691) and S3 (g = 1.087) compared to S1. t_PROP was significantly higher in S2 (g = 0.866) and S3 (g = 1.179) compared to S1. LMMs for CS20 and CS30 revealed no significant effect (p > 0.05) between repetition or set number and dependent variables. Conclusions: The results suggest that CS20 and CS30 maintain J_PROP by limiting MF and t_PROP attenuation. This is less rest than that suggested by the previous literature, which may influence programming decisions during strength and power mesocycles to maximise training time and training density. LMMs provide accurate estimates of BS propulsive force attenuation when separating repetitions by up to 30 s, which may help practitioners optimise training load for long-term adaptations. Full article

Oil refineries depend greatly on the estimation of crude oil properties in order to understand the oil’s behaviour and the product fractions expected from the refining process. In yield estimation, the crude oil source and variant can cause variability in prediction and lead to the need for repeatable analysis. The necessity for fast, accurate, and high-generalization yield estimation initiates the framework of this review. This paper aims to comprehensively review the available techniques for estimating the yield of petroleum products in the petroleum refining industry. The review provides a brief overview of petroleum refining processes and high-value products, followed by a description of the traditional method, which utilizes laboratory analysis to offer detailed findings, but requires a tedious methodology. The improvement of yield estimation leads to process simulation, modelling, and machine learning, enabling a fast response and better prediction with higher accuracy. Thorough case studies related to simulation software, models, and algorithms are presented to discover the process and model development, applications, advantages, and drawbacks. Enhancing petroleum product yield estimation provides reliable techniques for oil refiners that enable them to achieve optimized production aligned with sustainability and modernization goals. Full article

We examined the effects of a digital reflection and feedback intervention for pre-service teachers during a five-month school placement (Praxissemester) in Germany. Three reflection formats were compared: text-based memory protocols (control), unguided viewing of self-recorded lessons, and a structured digital video annotation (DVA) format. Fifty-five secondary teacher candidates were randomized into the three conditions and completed a validated, video-based Analysis-Competence Test before and after the semester. Repeated-measures ANOVA and mixed models showed robust overall improvement in global analysis competence across all groups. For process-oriented reasoning (whole-lesson reflection), both video-based formats showed significant within-group gains that were descriptively larger than those of the text-based control, although between-condition differences were not statistically significant; for synthetic competence (focused on specific lesson situations), the annotation group and the text-only control improved significantly, whereas the video-only condition did not, with the structured annotation group achieving the largest within-group gains and a trend-level advantage in higher-order reflection. Between-group effects did not reach conventional significance in either rmANOVA or the mixed models, though trends favored the annotation scaffold. These findings suggest that time-stamped, theory-aligned scaffolds can help pre-service teachers move beyond surface-level description toward deeper, theory-informed reflection in practicum settings. Full article

Background: Neuroblastoma is a childhood tumor that is usually fatal after relapse in high-risk patients. Most clinical trials of CAR-T therapy for neuroblastoma are based on targeting the disialoganglioside GD2. B7-H3, a protein from the immunoglobulin superfamily, is a specific marker for neuroblastoma and a number of other solid tumors. We conducted a preclinical study of three variants of anti-B7-H3 CAR-T cells in order to justify the selection of the best candidate for subsequent clinical trials. Methods: The expression level of B7-H3 was measured in a number of cell lines and neuroblastoma tissue samples via flow cytometry. The functional activity of CAR-T cells was compared using an NFAT-inducible reporter assay, a cytotoxicity test, cytokine production, and a repeated stimulation assay. Results: The obtained CAR-T cells carrying all resulting CAR variants specifically recognized and killed B7-H3-positive tumor cells in vitro. Nevertheless, TE9-28z and 8H9-28BBz demonstrated superior activation and cytokine production compared to the second-generation 8H9-BBz construct. TE9-28z and 8H9-28BBz exhibited functional differences in expansion, exhaustion markers, and cytokine secretion in co-cultures with target cells in vitro. In particular, TE9-28z induced higher IFNγ production, while 8H9-28BBz showed increased TNFα release. Despite comparable cytotoxicity, TE9-28z and 8H9-28BBz CAR-T cells exhibited varying persistence depending on the tumor type, and showed signs of functional exhaustion upon prolonged exposure to the target antigen. Conclusion: TE9-28z and 8H9-28BBz were selected for further preclinical development as promising candidates for the effective targeting of B7-H3-expressing malignancies. Full article

Wheat powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, represents one of the most threatening biotic stresses of this crop. The cultivated wheat variety ‘Brock’ exhibits resistance not only to rust but also to powdery mildew, making it a valuable resource for exploitation in wheat disease-resistant breeding. This study identified a novel gene in ‘Brock’ distinct from Pm2. In order to identify the disease resistance gene in ‘Brock’, genetic mapping was performed using F₂ and F_2:3 populations derived from the cross ‘Jing411/Brock’. The candidate powdery mildew resistance gene was located within a 6.88 Mb physical interval on chromosome 2D, which harbors a highly expressed gene, TaRPM1-2D. The protein encoded by TaRPM1-2D possesses a typical nucleotide binding, leucine-rich repeat receptor (NLR) domain, and its sequence significantly differs among ‘Jing411’, ‘BJ-1’, and ‘Brock’. Expression of TaRPM1-2D was markedly higher in resistant wheat ‘Brock’ and ‘BJ-1’ compared to the susceptible ‘Jing411’. Both overexpression and gene silencing experiments demonstrated that TaRPM1-2D contributes to enhance resistance against powdery mildew in wheat. These findings reveal the function of TaRPM1-2D in conferring powdery mildew resistance in ‘Brock’ and provide a candidate gene for disease-resistance breeding. Full article